Portable device case with corner protector

ABSTRACT

A case for a portable electronic device such as cell phones, cameras, MP3 players and PDAs wherein said case includes material at the corners to provide protection to the electronic device. To reduce bulk at the corners and allow the material forming the case to conform with the contours of the device, the protection at the corners includes strips of material defining apertures there between. The apertures provide reduction in bulk and allow the case to conform to the corners of the device therein. Alternately, the protection at the corners can be provided by other structures co-molded into the corners of the cases. Such structures include material that is of a reduced thickness than other material used in the case, or structures that are formed to conform to the corners of the case. Such structures can be joined to the material forming the panels of the case by co-molding.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/756,157 filed on Jan. 4, 2006. The Application is also a continuationin part of U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 11/275,443 filed onJan. 3, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/641,204, filed Jan. 3, 2005, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to carrying cases for portable electronicdevices, such as cell phones, cameras, MP3 players, and PDAs. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to cases having corner protectors.Further, the invention relates to a case for a clamshell type cellularphone. The invention also relates to methods for producing the caseusing a co-molding process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cell phones, pagers, PDA's, MP3 players, and other portable electronicdevices have become increasingly popular. Users of the devices like tokeep the devices readily accessible on their person. Due to theirportable nature, the devices are also subject to being dropped andotherwise roughly handled, which can result in damage to the electronicsinside, or to the plastic housing of the device. To address the aboveconcerns, cases have been developed to both carry and protect theportable electronic devices. These cases often include a clip or otherretaining structure to allow the case to be removably attached to theuser's clothing, such as a belt.

The clips or retainers commonly used are removeably attached to the caseby fastening to a plastic post, which itself is attached to the case.The plastic post can be an integral part of the case, being formed ofthe same material as the case. In other prior art embodiments, the postis a separate piece, sewn into or otherwise permanently attached to thecase. While this provides a secure attachment post for the clip, thepost becomes a cumbersome and unwanted protrusion when the clip isremoved. The case disclosed herein is provided with a detachable post,thereby providing a case unburdened with unnecessary protrusions. Thecase disclosed herein also provides an attachment point for otheraccessories such as a light, velcro, keychain or magnets.

The portable electronic cases of the prior art are generally constructedof leather, nylon, or other material provided in sheets. The material iscut to predetermine sizes to form panels, which are then sewn orotherwise attached to form a pocket for holding the portable electronicdevice. With this type of construction, if one desires parts of a panelto have different physical properties, such as elasticity, texture,color or clarity, different pieces of material must be physically joinedto one another to create a panel having the desired characteristics.Typically, the materials are joined by stitching, heat weld, oradhesive. The seams created at the joints add unwanted bulk and add tothe cost of construction. It is therefore desirable to produce a casethat includes different physical properties, but does not require piecesto be mechanically joined. To that end, the case disclosed herein isconstructed of a co-molded material.

For cases designed for clamshell devices, such as cellular phones, theprior art teaches cases having two detachable pocket sections. Eachpocket section fits over a section of the clamshell phone and are thenconnected by a snap, zipper, or velcro. Because of the nature of thecase materials, if the pocket sections were not detachable, there wouldbe no way to place the case on the phone, as leather and nylon do notstretch sufficiently to allow one pocket to be placed on the phone andthen have the other pocket placed on the phone. By use of the co-moldedmaterial described herein, sufficient elasticity may be incorporatedinto the case to allow the case to be constructed as a single unit. Inother words, the two pockets do not have to be separable. Further, theelasticity of the material allows the case to give and fit the contoursof the phone in a superior fashions when compared to the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein is an improvement for cases typicallyused with cell phones and portable electronic devices. Some of the casesdescribed include cut out areas or apertures or areas without materialat corners of the device. The apertures allow for reduced thickness andbulk where the case would normally cover the corners of the device. Thisaperture or open area allows the cell phone case to be constructedwithout the need to notch or dart the case material to allow thematerial to fit the curve of the corner of the cell phone or otherportable device.

However, the resulting apertures are not without their problems. Theapertures leave the corners of the cell phone exposed and unprotected.If the cell phone or other portable electronic device is dropped, theexposed corner of the device may be subject to impact with the ground,possibly resulting in damage of breakage of the device. Thus, it isobject of the invention to provide protection to the cell phone orelectronic device, while still providing a construction that eliminatesor reduces the issues associated with sowing or otherwise bondingmaterials to fit a curved surface.

The disclosure describes an improved portable electronics case and amethod of constructing the same. The cell phone case is formed of aco-molded material produced by pouring a first liquid plastic into amold, and then pouring a second liquid plastic into the mold, the secondplastic having physical characteristics different from the first. Onceset, the material is removed from the mold and sewn to form pockets forthe electronic device.

If the case is to be used for a clamshell type cellular phone, twopockets are formed, the pockets sharing a common or continuous panelFurther, the disclosure describes a unitary case for clamshell phones,allowing for both donning and removal of the case onto the phone as aunit.

Further, the disclosure describes a case including a removable post orattachment point for a clip. The retainer used to hold the removablepost, may be used to house other devices, such as a light, keychain,velcro, magnets, or other useful items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a case for a clamshell phone, the case havinga removable post.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a case for a clamshell phone, showing aclip.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a clip and post interface.

FIG. 4 is a cutaway drawing showing removal of the post from theretainer.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the donning of the case onto aclamshell phone.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the insertion of the phone into thesecond pocket.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the case on a clamshell phone.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the case on a closed clamshellphone

FIG. 10 is a top view of a mold for a case panel having a first textureportion, piping, and two non-texture portions.

FIG. 10a is a cross sectional view of the mold.

FIG. 10b is a second cross sectional view of the mold.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the mold showing a first substanceor layer in the non-textured area of the mold.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the mold showing a second substancelocated in the textured area of the mold.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional of the mold showing third substance pouredover the previous two substances.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the mold, including areas ofpiping, and showing a first substance poured into the piping.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the mold showing a second materiallayered over the piping in the first non-textured area of the mold.

FIG. 16 shows a third substance layered over the previous two substancesand overlaying the entire panel area of the mold.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the mold showing a first substancepoured into the non-textured area of the mold showing a scrim located ontop of the first substance.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the mold showing a reinforcementmember placed into the mold about the perimeter.

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of an empty mold.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a base.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment retainer andbase with a rectangular aperture.

FIG. 22 shows a post including a lug with a non-circular portion.

FIG. 23 is a side view of a post and retainer in a secured relationship.

FIG. 24 is an alternate base without a post.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a bayonet mount post and retainer.

FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view of a bayonet mount post andretainer.

FIG. 27 is a front view of a cell phone in a cell phone case includingcorner protection.

FIG. 28 is a side view of a cell phone in a cell phone case includingcorner protection.

FIG. 29 is a rear view of a cell phone in a cell phone case includingcorner protection.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing an exploded view of two panelsprior to forming a pocket of a cell phone case.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a typical construction of a cell phone caseshowing panels of material assembled to form a pocket and a cell phonebeing inserted into the pocket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Shown herein as the preferred embodiment is a case for a clamshellcellular phone. One skilled in the art will recognize the construction,materials, and methods can be applied to other cases for portableelectronic devices, and need not be limited to the clamshell designshown in the figures. With reference to the figures, the case 10includes a first pocket 15 and a second pocket 20 for receiving aportion of the cell phone 11. The case 10 includes a backbone panel 25.The backbone panel 25 forms part of both the first pocket 15 and thesecond pocket 20. The first pocket 15 includes a face sheet 30, made ofa clear material allowing a user to see the display 31 of the cell phone1, when the cell phone 11 is inserted into the first pocket 15. The facesheet 30 is attached to the backbone panel 25 about part of itsperimeter to form the first pocket 15. In an alternate embodiment,intermediate side panels 35 and 36 (as used on the second pocket 20) areused to attach the backbone panel 25 to the face sheet 30. The variouscomponents forming the first pocket 15 are attached to one another usingheat welding, adhesive, stitching 21, or any other construction methodto join two materials known in the art. One skilled in the art willrecognize that the pockets of the case 10 can be formed of any number ofpanels, so as to suit the shape of the phone 11 or other portabledevice.

As shown in FIG. 3, the panels may include a stress relief notch 39 ornotches in alternate embodiments. The stress relief notch is a small cutout located in the perimeter of the panel immediately adjacent to areaswhere panels are joined or otherwise connected or stitched together. Thestress relief notches allow the panel to stretch without overlystressing or stretching the stitched area. One skilled in the art willrecognize the stress relief notches are optional, and may take on manydifferent shapes. As shown in FIG. 3, the stress relief notch 39 islocated adjacent the area where the backbone panel 25 and anintermediate side panel 36 are joined. It is preferred that the stressrelief notches are approximately 2 to 4 millimeters wide and 2 to 4millimeters deep. It is preferred the stress relief notches have agenerally curved shape, so as to prevent formation of a stress riser asmight be the case if the contours of the stress relief notch wereangular. For instance, if the stress relief notch were shaped such thatit included a vertex, when stressed or stretched, a tear in the panelmaterial could begin at the vertex of the notch.

The backbone panel 25 can include a window 48 to allow a user to see theoutside display of the cell phone 11. The window 48 is formed of a clearmaterial. The window 45 is joined to the backbone panel 25 by heatwelding, adhesive, or stitching 21, or any other construction know inthe art. With a judicious selection of materials, the window 35 may beco-molded into the backbone panel 25 during the manufacture of thebackbone panel 25, as described herein for other structures.

The second pocket 20 is formed in a similar fashion, by attaching thebackbone panel 25 to a front panel 37 about portions of its perimeter.As shown in the drawings, the second pocket 20 includes side panels 35and 36. One skilled in the art will recognize that many differentconfigurations, panels, and places to attach the pieces together may beused to produce the first pocket 15 and second pocket 20.

The first pocket 15 and second pocket 20 are to be joined by acontinuous piece of material; that is the first 15 and second 20 pocketare not attached by velcro, snaps, buttons, zippers, or any otherstructure which allows easy detachment and reattachment from and to oneanother. With the single or continuous panel forming part of bothpockets, a backbone panel 25 is formed linking the two pockets.

In use, the case 10 is placed onto the phone 11 by inserting part of theopened phone into one or the other of the first pocket 15 or the secondpocket 20. Since the face sheet 30 is typically longer than the frontpanel 37, thereby creating a first pocket 15 that is deeper than thepocket formed by the front panel 37, when donning, it is preferable toinsert the phone 11 into the first pocket 15 before inserting the phoneinto the second pocket 20, as shown in FIG. 6. The shorter length of thefront panel 37 allows for easier insertion as the backbone panel 25 neednot be stretched as far when compared to inserting the phone into theshorter pocket first. Unlike the prior art, which required the case tobe separated into two pieces in order to be placed on the phone, theelasticity of the backbone panel 25 allows the case to be stretched farenough to allow both the first 15 and second 20 pockets to be placed onthe cell phone 11 without the need to separate one pocket from theother. Thus, once the cover portion 40 of the cell phone 11 is insertedinto the first pocket 15, the user stretches the backbone panel 25 untilthe edge 46 of the front panel 37 clears the body portion 47 of the cellphone 11, thereby allowing the body portion 47 to be inserted into thesecond pocket 20, as shown in FIG. 7, The user then releases the tensionon the backbone panel 25, allowing the center portion 45 to contract,and draw the second pocket 20 over the body portion 47 of the phone 11,as shown in FIG. 8.

Although the backbone panel 25 forms part of both the first 15 andsecond 20 pockets, and is one continuous piece, it need not be a uniformor homogenous piece. In other words, the backbone panel 25 may be formedof a plurality of pieces or materials attached to each other bystitching, heat welding, adhesive, or other permanent attachment. Forinstance, the center portion 45 can be formed of an elastic material,while the portions forming the pockets 15, 20 can be of a less elasticmaterial.

In the preferred embodiment, the backbone panel 25 is formed byco-molding. Other parts of the case may also be formed by this process.Co-molding allows the part or panel being manufactured to easilyincorporate different properties, colors, textures, shapes or othercharacteristics, while allowing for efficient construction. To constructthe backbone panel or other part, a mold 100 is constructed. As shown inFIG. 10, the mold 100 is a negative mold, typically machined from ametal, such as brass. One skilled in the art will recognize the mold 100may be created in other ways. The mold 100 may include a textured area101 having features such as cross hashing to improve grip, piping 111,or other physical treatment to produce and create different featuresupon the surface of the panel being manufactured. In some embodiments,the mold is deeper in some regions to create a thicker material in thatregion.

As shown in FIGS. 11-13, the panel is created in layers. To make thepanel, a first substance 120 is poured into the mold 100. In someinstances the first substance 120 is the only substance used, but may bepoured multiple times to cover and retain other structures such as ascrim, window, or reinforcement between the layers created. The firstsubstance 120 and any other substance poured thereafter, may be amaterial such as silicone, thermosets and thermoplastics, including PVC,EPE, or any other material used in the polymer co-molding art. The firstsubstance 120 may be poured to cover the entire mold 100 or only certainregions as shown in FIG. 11, depending upon the desired characteristicsof the corresponding region of the panel.

For instance, the first substance 120 is placed in the mold 100 only inthe area for piping 111, as shown in FIG. 14. In other embodiments, thefirst substance is placed only in the area for texture. One skilled inthe art will recognize the variations are unlimited. The first substance120 is poured to a depth to cover the piping 111, or other desired areabut does not extend into the other areas where the substance is notdesired. In this fashion, the first substance's 120 characteristics,such as color, will be applied only to the piping of the case or otherarticle.

In the instance of the first substance 120 being EPE, the liquid EPE isplaced in the desired area of the mold 100 at room temperature. The EPEis then spread out and forced into the desired areas, such as piping 111or textured area 101, where air voids are likely. The mold 100containing the EPE is then heated, and then cooled to room temperature.

The second material 140 is then poured. The second material 140 may havedifferent properties than the first material 120. For instance, thesecond material 140 may be of a different color or texture. In someembodiments, the area of the mold 100 into which the second material 140is poured may have a surface treatment or texture 101 to produce asurface texture on the finished product.

In a similar fashion, other pours may be made of either the samematerial, or different ones, until the panel having the desiredcharacteristics is complete.

FIGS. 10 through 18 show sample configurations for panels manufacturedusing the co-molding process. As one skilled in the art will recognize,these are merely examples, other configurations are possible. FIG. 10generally depicts a mold having a textured area 101, which will inpart atextured surface to the panel made in the mold. The textured area 101 isdelineated from the non-textured area 103 by walls 104. Walls 104prevent the material poured into the textured area 101 from flowing intothe non-textured area 103, until the height of the walls is exceeded. Inthe preferred embodiment, a first layer of material occupy the texturedarea 101 up to the height of the walls 104. As one skilled in the artwill recognize, multiple layers could occupy the textured area 101.

Shown in FIG. 11, a first material 120 having a first characteristic ispoured into the non-textured area 103 to form a first layer of material.Subsequent to the pour of the first material 120, a second material 140is poured into the textured area 101 to form a first layer of the secondmaterial 140. The layers of material both first and second, aregenerally co-planar, although it is not necessary. Subsequently, a thirdmaterial 123 is poured over the entire mold, thus overlaying the firstmaterial 120 and the second material 140 in such a fashion, a layeredpanel is produced, as previously discussed, each layer of material oreach pour of material can have different characteristics. When layeredas to described in a mold for a backbone panel 25 as shown in FIG. 10,the result is a central portion of the panel having a first physicalcharacteristic, such as texturing, and the remaining portions of thepanel having no texturing. As previously discussed, variations areendless.

With reference to the mold shown in FIG. 11, a particularly useful layupof material may be used to create the backbone panel for a clamshellphone case. For the first layer, a material having a first elasticcharacteristic is poured in the first region, such as textured area 101.A second material having a second elastic characteristic is poured intoa second region, such as non-textured area 103. A third pour of thesecond material is then poured to cover both of the previous layers ofmaterial, thereby connecting them. One skilled in the art will recognizea third material, or the first material, can be used for the third pour.Additionally, the characteristic need not be elasticity, but may beselected from the group of color, texture, additive suspended in thematerial, heat resistance or melting point.

Once the desired materials are poured and cured, the co-molded panel isremoved from the mold and sewn or otherwise attached to other panels toproduce the case.

In other embodiments, the co-molding process allows other structures tobe placed or integrated into the panel. For instance, once the firstsubstance 120 is poured, additional materials can be placed into themold, to create a panel having areas with different characteristics. Thematerials may be the same substance, or include a second substance 140for co-molding, or may include other materials or structures, such asscrims, reinforcements, or windows, judiciously placed within the moldto create areas having particular structural characteristics.

For instance, a scrim 130 or other woven or non-woven reinforcement maybe placed in areas where there will be stitching during the assembly ofthe case. Such scrims are placed where the panel will be stitched tolesson the likelihood of the stitching pulling through the casematerial. Similarly, a scrim can be placed in the area of the aperturefor the clip post, thereby reinforcing that area. In other embodiments,the window 48 is placed in the mold prior to the second material pour,thereby eliminating the need to stitch the window 48 in place, as thewindow will be co-molded between the first material and the secondmaterial, and thereby retained. In another example shown in FIG. 18,reinforcement patches 132 are placed in areas of high wear, such asedges, prior to the first pour. In other embodiments, an elastic panelis placed to connect the two pocket portions, thereby forming a portionof the continuous or backbone panel 25. These advantages can result insignificant economies during manufacture which are not possible if thematerial is created as a sheet, and then cut to size to form the case.If such additional structures are to be included, it is preferable thatthe structures are placed in the mold 100 after at least one pour hastaken place, and the structure is placed over at least part of the pour,so that the structure is retained between the first and later layers ofmaterials, However, such placement depends on the structure. Thereinforcement patches 132, may be exposed on the exterior of the panel,and hence should be in the mold prior to the first pour.

In other embodiments, and as a direct result of co-molding process,portions of a panel can be thicker or thinner than other sections. Forinstance, areas where the finished product will include stitching caneasily be made thicker to prevent pull through. Other areas, such as thetextured area of the mold in FIG. 11, or areas where the panel fits overan edge of the phone, may be thinner to provide less bulk. In otherembodiments, portions of the case that fit edges of the phone may bethicker to provide impact protection.

In additional to the layers shown in the figures, a final liningmaterial such as rayon, may be applied either by spraying or laminating,onto the last poured layer. The lining material allows the cellularphone, or other portable device, to easily slide into and out of thecase.

With reference to FIGS. 27-31, a cell phone 11 is shown inside a cellphone case 10. One skilled in the art will recognize the cell phone case10 as being formed, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, of sheets of material 8and 9 which are attached about portions of their perimeter to form apocket 12 for the cell phone 11 or other electronic device, as shown inFIG. 30. Such cell phone cases are known in the prior art, and alsodescribed in the previous paragraphs of this application. The case ofthe present invention could also be a clamshell case as shown in FIGS.1-9, and 27-29, or a non-clamshell case.

As shown in FIGS. 26-28, the cell phone case 10 includes open areas 17a-d at the corners of the cell phone case 10. 17a and 17b are completelyopen, and do not offer protection to the corners of the cell phone 15.

Areas 17c and 17d include strips of material 2a-d, which divide the openareas 17c and 17d and provide some material over the otherwise exposedcorners of the cell phone 11. Defined another way, open areas 17a and dinclude strips of material 2a-d, thereby defining a plurality ofapertures 5a-f. One skilled in the art will recognize the number ofapertures can be varied. For example, the open areas 17c and d couldinclude netting, or strips of material placed in different directions.

As shown in FIG. 29, the strips of material 2c and d are part of thefirst panel of material 8. The strips of material 2a-d need not be ofthe same material as the first panel 8. The strips, or other structuresplaced at the corners of the case, thereby protecting the corners of theelectronic device in the case, can be of a different material,preferably one that will protect the device in the case from impact.Similarly, the strips of material, or other structures forming thecorner protectors need not be part of the first panel 8. The strips ofmaterial or corner protectors can be part of the second panel 9 or anyother panel.

For example, a co-molding process, such as described previously herein,could be used to place protective structures, such as strips, moldedcorner protectors, netting, or other structures, at the corners of thecase. These structures can be thicker than the sheets of material 8 and9 forming the walls of the case 10, to allow for more protection to thecorners. For instance, with reference to FIG. 30, the corner area 51,including strips of material 2c and d, can be of a thicker material thanthe sheet of material 8. Similarly, corner area 51 can be of a thinnermaterial to reduce bulk. The material comprising corner area 51 can beattached to the sheet of material 8 by any known means, such as sewing,heat welding, adhesive, or more preferably, co-molding. In otherembodiments, a preformed corner structure can be co-molded to the sheetof material 8 during manufacturing.

Is an alternate embodiment, reinforcement members or other preformedstructures, that is structures molded to the contours of the case, areplaced within the open areas and secured to the material or panels ofthe cell phone case 10 to provide protection at the corners of theelectronic device or cell phone 11. Because the structures are molded orformed, they can be made of a specific thickness that is different thanthe panels forming the case 10.

The case 10, no matter how produced, can include a detachable clip 200.With reference to FIGS. 1-5, the detachable clip 200 is affixed to thecase 10 by a post 210. Indeed, the detachable clip 200 and post 210 canbe incorporated into many different cases, not just the clamshell case10 depicted in the Figures. This arrangement of clip and post is wellknown in the prior art. The post 210 includes a base 212 and anoutwardly extending lug 214. The detachable clip 200 attaches to the lug214, allowing the user to securely attach the case to his clothing.

The post 210 is removably attached to the case 10. The case 10 includesan aperture 216 sized to allow the lug 214 to fit through yet is notlarge enough to allow the base 212 to pass. The post 210 is positionedso that the lug 214 extends outwardly away from the case 10, and thebase 212 remains in the case 10, the base 212 being too large to fitthrough the aperture 216. The base 212 is retained in position by aretainer 220, the retainer 220 limiting movement and securing the base212 when engaged. When disengaged, the retainer 220 allows the post 210to be removed from the case 10.

In the preferred embodiment, the base 212 is a generally thin, flatmember, having a perimeter including two parallel straight portions 222and two curved portions 230. The retainer 220 is slightly thicker thanthe base 212, and includes a recess 225 to receive the base 212. Therecess 225 may go entirely through the retainer 220 as an aperture. Theperimeter of the recess 225 is generally concentric with the perimeterof the base 212. The retainer 220 includes tabs 226 which extend overthe base 212, to keep the base 212 from moving in a directionperpendicular to the base 212. In the preferred embodiment, the tabs 226are located to extend over the curved portions 230 of the base 212. Theretainer 220 is attached to the inside of the case 10 so that it islocated about the aperture 216. The retainer 220 is attached to the caseby any means known in the art, including stitching, heat weld, andadhesive. The retainer 220 could also be co-molded into the case 10, orformed as part of the case.

In use, the post 210 is attached to the case 10 by inserting the lug 214into the aperture 216 from the inside of the case. The retainer 220 isconvexly flexed to allow the curved portion 230 of the base 212 to beinserted under a tab 226. Once positioned, the retainer 220 is unflexedand the opposite curved portion 223 is allowed to snap under theremaining tab 226, thereby securing the base 212 between the case 10material and the tabs 226.

To remove the post, the retainer 220 is again convexly flexed to snapbase 212 over the tab 226, allowing the base to be disengaged from theretainer 220 and the lug 214 to be pushed through the aperture 216,thereby removing the post 210 from the case 10. In such a fashion, thepost 210 may be selectively attached to the case, or removed, as desiredby the user.

One skilled in the art will recognize other structures could be used toconnect a post to a retaining structure on the case. An example of suchan embodiment includes a retainer 240 and base 250 that include matingstructures that allow the base 250 to be separated and reconnected tothe retainer 240.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the base 250 includes a plurality ofshafts 260 and 261 extending from the base 250 on the same side of thebase 250 as the lug 270. The shafts 260 and 261 are preferablypositioned on either side of the lug 270 at a distance sufficient toallow of a mating structure on the retainer 240 to secure the shafts 260and 261. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the shafts include arecessed portion 262 and 263 for interacting with complimentarystructure on the retainer 240, to allow the post 310 to be attached andunattached from the retainer 240.

The retainer 240 includes an aperture 280 sized to allow the lug 270 topass through. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the aperture 280 is round.The aperture 280 may be any shape so long as the lug 270 can passthrough as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. Although it is preferred that theaperture 280 take a perimeter shape similarly shaped and sized to thelug 270, such correspondence is not necessary. The outer perimeters ofthe base 250 and the retainer 240 are generally co-extensive, althougheither structure may be larger or smaller than the other. In instanceswhere the base 250 perimeter extends beyond the perimeter of theretainer 240, the portion of the base 250 extending is raised so as toform a lip about portions of or about the entire perimeter of theretainer 240.

The base 250 can also include separation recesses 320 and 321 at itsperimeter. The separation recesses are areas exposed to the perimeterthat are of reduced thickness. When the base 250 and retainer 240 aremated, the separation recesses allow space between the two structures toallow a fingernail or other object to lever the two structures apart.

The retainer 240 includes a plurality of receivers 290, 291 forreceiving and engaging the shafts 260 and 261. In the embodiment shownin FIGS. 20 and 21, the receivers 290 and 291 include members or tabs294 a and b and 295 a and b to engage the recessed portions 263 and 262of shafts 260 and 261 when the shafts 260 and 261 are inserted into thereceivers 290 and 291. In the embodiment shown, the tabs 294 a and b and295 a and b include a resilient portions 300 a-d attached to theretainer 240. The resilient portions 300 a-d flex to allow arc portions311 a-d to slide over the distal end of the shafts 260 and 261 and seatin the recesses 262 and 263. One skilled in the art will recognize thatother types of arranged could be used to secure the posts 260 and 261 tothe retainer 240.

In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the aperture 280 in theretainer 240 is rectangular. Additionally, the lug 270 includes aportion 330, which is shaped to compliment and fit inside of aperture280. Such engagement prevents or reduces relative movement between theretainer 240 and base 250 in a direction parallel to the major plane ofthe retainer 240, thus reducing forces applied to the receiver 291 and290, which might cause undesired separation of the base 250 from theretainer 240. One skilled in the art will recognize other non-circularshapes will also accomplish the same stability and prevent rotation ofthe lug 270 in the aperture. FIG. 23 also shows a retainer 240 with aperimeter flange 299.

As shown in FIG. 24, an alternate base 400 includes a raised portion410, but does not include a lug or post for attachment of a clip. Such abase 400 is used to occupy or otherwise obstruct the aperture 280 whenthe base with the lug is removed. Use of the alternate base 400 thusrenders a case without the projecting lug or post, resulting in agenerally smooth case. The portion of the base 400 visible through theaperture 280 can include indicia 420 such as advertising, logos, orother indications of sponsorship.

One skilled in the art will recognize that other types of constructionsmay be utilized in attaching the post to the case. One such constructiveis a bayonet mount, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. The post 500 isattached to a mounting base 510. The mounting base 510 includes anaperture having a plurality of notches 522 a-d about its perimeter. Thenotches 522 a-d are sized and spaced so as to accept projections 525 a-dposition about the bade of the post 500. The bottom 530 mounting base510 is attached to the outside surface of the case by stitchingadhesive, rivets, or other means of mechanical attachment. When attachedto the outside of the case, the use of the bayonet mount allows the post500 to be inserted and removed from the outside of the case. Thus, thecase does not need an aperture.

In use, the post 500 is inserted into aperture base end 540 first, suchthat projections 525 a-d are inserted into notches 522 a-d. Adjacentnotches 525 a-d are flanges 535 a-d. The flanges are generally arcuatein shape and form part of the aperture 520 perimeter, thus restrainingthe post 500 from side to side movement. The flanges 535 a-d are of athickness less than the thickness of the base 510, so as to accommodatethe projections 525 a-d when the post 500. The base 510 also includesstops 545 a-b on the flanges 535 a-b so that rotation of the post isstopped, preventing over rotation of the post 500.

The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative of the invention andare not meant to limit the scope of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A case for portable device, the case beingformed of panels of material attached to form a pocket for receiving thedevice, the case including: a first panel of comprising a first polymermaterial attached to a second panel of comprising a second polymermaterial to form a pocket for receiving the portable device, the firstmaterial being a different material from the second material, the caseincluding a plurality of apertures at a corner of the device when thedevice is placed in the case, wherein the plurality of apertures aredefined by strips of material extending across an open corner of thecase, the strips of material comprising one or more of the firstmaterial and the second material.
 2. The case of claim 1, wherein thestrips of material are two in number.
 3. The case of claim 1, whereinthe strips of material defining the apertures extend from first paneland are attached to the second panel.
 4. A case for a portable device,the case including: a plurality of panels of a polymer material, thepanels assembled to form a pocket for receiving the portable device, thepocket including a second polymer material incorporated into the pocket,the second material positioned to protect corners of the portable devicewhen the device is in the case, wherein the second material is thickerthan the material forming the panels.
 5. The case of claim 4, whereinthe second material is co-molded to at least one of the plurality ofpanels.
 6. A case for a portable device, the case including, a firstpanel of comprising a first polymer material shaped to have strips ofmaterial extending therefrom, and a second panel of comprising a secondpolymer material, the first panel attached to the second panel to form apocket having an opening for receipt of the portable device, the stripsof material attached to the second panel to form part of the pocket, thestrips of material comprising one or more of the first material and thesecond material, wherein the strips of material define a plurality ofapertures.
 7. The case of claim 6, wherein the strips of material arepositioned near corners of the device when the device is in the case. 8.The case of claim 6, wherein the strips of material are co-molded to thefirst panel.
 9. The case of claim 8, wherein the strips of material arethicker than the rest of the first panel.
 10. The case of claim 6,wherein the strips of material are thicker than the rest of the firstpanel.
 11. The case of claim 9, wherein the strips of material includean aperture.
 12. The case of claim 4, wherein the second material isthicker at the corners of the case than the panels forming the pocket.13. The case of claim 4, wherein the material forming the panels ismolded and allowed to cool before the second material is molded to atleast one of the plurality of panels.
 14. The case of claim 5, whereinco-molding the second material to the at least one of the plurality ofpanels comprises molding the material forming the panels, allowing thematerial forming the panels to cool, and molding the second material tothe at least one of the plurality of panels.
 15. A case for a portabledevice, the case comprising: a pocket configured for receiving theportable device, the pocket comprising a first outer polymer materialco-molded with a second inner polymer material, the first outer materialbeing a different material from the second inner material; wherein thefirst outer material has open areas at corners of the pocket; andwherein the second inner material is positioned at the corners of thepocket within the open areas in the first outer material, and protectcorners of the portable device when the portable device is in the case.16. The case of claim 15, wherein the first outer material is moreelastic than the second inner material.
 17. The case of claim 15,wherein the first outer material is a different color than the secondinner material.
 18. The case of claim 15, wherein the first outermaterial is a different texture than the second inner material.
 19. Thecase of claim 15, wherein the second inner material is thicker than thefirst outer material.
 20. The case of claim 15, wherein the pocketcomprises a plurality of panels formed from the first outer material.21. The case of claim 15, wherein elasticity of the first outer materialco-molded with the second inner material allows the case to give and fitthe contours of the portable device.
 22. The case of claim 15, furthercomprising a second pocket for further receiving the portable device.23. The case of claim 15, wherein the portable device is a nonclamshellportable device.
 24. A case for a portable device, the case comprising:a pocket configured for receiving the portable device, the pocketcomprising a first outer polymer material co-molded with a second innerpolymer material; wherein the first outer material has open areas atcorners of the pocket; wherein the second inner material is positionedat the corners of the pocket within the open areas in the first outermaterial, and protect corners of the portable device when the portabledevice is in the case; and wherein the first outer material or thesecond inner material comprise one or more selected from the groupconsisting of silicone, a thermoset, a thermoplastic, PVC, EPE, and apolymer.
 25. The case of claim 15, wherein the first outer material isallowed to cool before molding the second inner material to the firstouter material.
 26. A case for a portable device, the case comprising: afirst polymer material forming part of a pocket for receiving theportable device, the pocket having open areas at corners thereof throughthe first material; and a second polymer material co-molded to the firstmaterial and positioned within the open areas to protect corners of theportable device when the device is in the case, the first material beinga different material from the second material.
 27. The case of claim 26,wherein the first material forms a plurality of panels to form thepocket.
 28. The case of claim 26, wherein the first material is allowedto cool before molding the second material to the first material.